For those of you who want to make NFTs and sell NFTs on OpenSea, and want to try testing first, for the NFT minting process and gas fees, all kinds of things on the testnets.opensea.io website. You can get Etherum for free, for testing fee capital in the Rinkeby Blockchain network. Therefore, you need to know about what Rinkeby Blockchain is and what is related to it.
What is Rinkeby?
Rinkeby is one of the most commonly used Ethereum testnets for testing decentralized applications by developers before deploying them to the Ethereum mainnet. The Rinkeby testnet uses the Proof of Authority consensus and currently only supports geth clients.
How to Open the Rinkeby Testnet Option on Metamask via Laptop/PC
Before going further, we need to open the Rinkeby Network network first because by default, the option is not yet available when we install the Chrome Metamask Extension in the Laptop/PC browser.
Here's how to display the Rinkeby test network on Metamask Laptop/PC:
1. Run the Google Chrome browser on your Laptop/PC.
2. Then login to the Metamask account, by clicking on the Metamask icon in the upper right corner
3. Select the MetaMask account profile icon
4. Select Settings
5. Select Advanced
6. After that activate the Show test network option by sliding the slide button to the right
That is a way to display the Rinkeby Blockchain Testnet on Metamask that is already installed on your Laptop/PC
How to Get Free Ethereum on Rinkeby Test Network Metamask
After knowing how to display Rinkeby in the Metamask Chrome Extension on your Laptop/PC, you can get Ethereum for free on the Rinkeby Testnet. But, you also need to know, of course this Ethereum coin is only valid and can be used on the test network, which is at testnets.opensea.io. Not on the main network of the Ethereum blockchain.
Here's how to get free ethereum on the Rinkeby Blockchain Test network:
1. In Metamask extension, select Rinkeby Test Network
2. Then visit the website link https://faucets.chain.link/rinkeby
3. Enter the Metamask wallet address, in the Testnet account address field
4. After that select the Send Request button, then verify
5. Wait for it to finish
6. Later your Ethereum balance on the Rinkeby Test network will increase by itself.
That's how to get free Ethereum on Rinkeby Test Network Metamask.
It has been explained in the article above that the Rinkeby Testnet is one of the most widely used testnets for testing. However, for ordinary people, they may not understand the term testnet in cryptocurrency. Therefore, below we will explain what a Testnet is and how it differs from the Mainnet.
Read Also: What Is a BEP20 Token and How Does It Work?
What is Testnet?
Testnet -test network- is designed to test various improvements in the blockchain without the risk of causing network problems. Testnet can be interpreted as a blockchain network that is not yet active and running. Developers use the testnet to test decentralized applications (dApps) before they are released. The testnet is also used to test new features and look for problems in blockchain applications or networks, including fixing bugs or network failures.
Because it has a very similar environment to the main blockchain, it is easier for developers to make modifications. Apart from modifying dApp functionality, Testnet is also used to monitor blockchain network performance. The Ethereum blockchain can also be utilized to accurately test large-scale complex networks. Examples of Ethereum Testnet are Kovan and Rinkeby Blockchain (GETH configuration).
As a prototype, Testnet uses worthless tokens or counterfeit money to run tests. When a problem occurs during testing, the developer doesn't have to incur high costs and lose reputation from users. In short, Testnet allows developers to improve their blockchain and design better applications for users without high risk.
What is Mainnet?
Apart from Testnet, Mainnet is also a term that you will often find in cryptocurrencies. Then, what is Mainnet? The term Mainnet refers to the main network of a fully operational blockchain. The mainnet can be run after going through the testing phase on the testnet. The mainnet is used to measure the success of a blockchain project when the price is difficult to predict. An investor must take advantage of the Mainnet so that the ICO (Initial Coin Offering) investment process runs smoothly.
Because it is fully operational, Mainnet can be used to send and receive cryptocurrencies and other types of digital data, such as Non-Fungible Token (NFT) transactions. The existence of Mainnet encourages the creation of a network ecosystem that facilitates transactions in a transparent manner. This is in accordance with the Mainnet function, which is to become the best version of the blockchain network that will be used by the public.
Therefore, Mainnet is one of the factors that investors need to pay attention to before conducting an Initial Coin Offering (ICO), Initial Exchange Offering (IEO), or other fundraising methods. Through this network, investors can see the seriousness of blockchain projects. The Mainnet also has influence over the price of crypto assets.
Differences between Testnet and Mainnet
Here are some differences between the two.
1. Purpose
Testnet is testing various experiments, while Mainnet is a functional released blockchain.
2. Operating costs
The testnet is just a prototype that allows developers to test the functionality of the blockchain network for free so the operational costs are low. As for Mainnet, developers have to issue genuine crypto assets to test network functionality which causes high operating costs.
3. Network ID
Basically, the network ID helps the developer to carry out the network identification process. Both have different network IDs. Generally, the testnet network IDs used are Ropsten (3), Rinkeby (4), and Kovan (42). While the number 1 is used for the Ethereum Mainnet.
4. Nodes
Testnet nodes are smaller in number.
5. Published Code
The Testnet does not publish code due to its constantly changing nature. Mainnet instead publishes code to strengthen the trust of blockchain users.
6. Transaction Frequency
Low transaction frequency for Testnet.
That's an article about what Rinkeby Blockchain is and about the terms Testnet and Mainnet.